The Awards, established by IMAGE magazine, are now in their ninth year, and recent winners include: Cathriona Hallahan, CEO, Microsoft Ireland; Susan Daly, Managing Editor, Journal Media Ltd.; Margot Slattery, Managing Director, Sodexo Ireland; and Joan Freeman, Founder and CEO, Pieta House. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate inspirational women across all areas in the world of Irish business.

Over 350 entries were submitted for the 2015 awards and 80 were shortlisted into nine categories. This year’s group is outstandingly impressive, with all those shortlisted potentially in the running for the overall IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year award. This year’s categories include: Entrepreneurship; Management Professional; Start-Up; Creative Industry; Social Entrepreneurship; Young Businesswoman; Overseas Irish Businesswoman of the Year; Digital; and CEO.

Catherine has been shortlisted in the ‘CEO’ category. This award is dedicated to successful Irish businesswomen who have occupied their current Chief Executive Officer role in an Irish or international organisation for at least two years and have experienced success in areas including significant contribution to company growth and expansion.